Maks'd Out

DWTS is always fun, but it's not always fair. For instance, Kirstie going the distance and standing there as one of the final two? You have to be kidding! She was out-danced so many times, by so many performers, that the question arises whether the outcome is pre-determined. Week after week, I've wondered how Kirstie survived elimination, but last night, I was stunned that she "beat out" Chelsey, who consistently danced rings around the competition, including Hines Ward, this season's winner, and most especially Kirstie -- but came in third.

At least Kirstie is a good sport: Maks again made his displeasure known when "he" did not win his 10th competition. Perhaps, if the public voted on the best professional partner, Maks would win, but the voting is supposed to reflect the "star" performance, not the professional's. Week after week, season after season, it's been all about Maks, and his attitude takes away from the star's performance. Last night, Maks let the world know that "he" won this year, using his own criteria for winning/losing, but is again denied the first-place finish. In the past, Maks disparaged Derek, but Derek wasn't there this season to steal the trophy from Maks -- and still Maks didn't win. Perhaps, if this is his 10th season of discontent, it is time for Maks to find another venue for his performance skills.

Yes, Kirstie finished the show looking a whole lot better physically than when she began, but this was not another weight-loss competition, it was a dance competition. Kirstie's dancing was adequate, but not amazing. Last night, in particular, I was shocked when Kirstie received all 10s because her performance was average and should have been 7s. Kirstie was not one of the best dancers of the season, and her performance last night did not deserve top honors.

I did enjoy the variety of performers showcased as part of the season finale, but we could have wrapped up the whole season in a half-hour show that concentrated on the finalists, rather than prolonging the announcement of the winners and jamming it into the final five minutes, almost as an after-thought.